Soldiers return from Iraq to cheers in Bloomington

National Guardsmen from the 33rd Military Police Battalion were wecolmed home Thursday by thousands of well wishers. They look forward to seeing their families and friends, and the color green.

Thousands of well wishers lined Twin Cities streets Thursday to welcome home Bloomington-based soldiers from a 461-day deployment that included more than a year serving in Iraq.

Inching down U.S. Route 51 from Redbird Arena to the Bloomington Armory, the Illinois National Guardsmen from the 33rd Military Police Battalion waved to crowds spilling off sidewalks from convertibles driven by 40 volunteers, flanked by the thundering motorcycles of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Trees and light poles blossomed with yellow ribbons of support all the way to the armory, where the men and women were heralded as "top-shelf, outstanding heroes" who "came under fire and responded appropriately, responded perfectly under stress."

Their broad smiles and tears — and those of loved ones they embraced — spoke without words to what these citizen soldiers missed most: family and friends, spouses, children.

But what else were they anticipating, now that their tour was complete? Simple comforts topped the lists. And for many, perhaps surprisingly for those who have remained stateside, the sight of one color is most welcome: green.

Anthony Hopp, 19, of Hamilton was ready to see his wife and friends while waiting for the parade to begin, but also hankered for something homeowners wouldn’t necessarily miss: "Actually, I’m looking forward to mowing some grass. I’m sick of sand."

Coleen Cummings, 20, of Minonk greeted the greenery with longing, too. "If it’s green and grows out of the ground, we missed it." But she’s not ready to jump into yardwork just yet. "I’m taking a bath — a long, hot bath."

Heather Libby, 23, of Flanagan desired some domestic amenities, as well. "I want my old bed. I’ve been sleeping on a much smaller bed." Of course, slumber will have to wait. "I’ll be spending a lot of time with my little brother."

John Brewer, 26, of Peoria looked a little farther into the future for what he wanted. "I’m going to try to get college done," he said, then waxed philosophical. "It’s the pleasures and comforts of the United States that I’ll really appreciate a lot more." Anything in particular? "A nice steak, one I can grill out myself."

Kimberly Kleen, 21, of El Paso was ready for good food, too, but not to cook it herself. "I want homemade food, anything my stepmom makes. But I’m ready to go eat now — anywhere." And wherever she went Thursday, she had plenty of something else she sorely missed: "the smell of fresh air."